Question

An ant moves from A to B and then comes back to point A and reaches C. Find the distance (d) and displacement (s) of the ant in this entire journey.

• A. d = 5 m, s = 15 m
• B. d = 15 m, s = -5 m
• C. d = + 15 m, s = + 5 m
• D. d = -15 m, s = -5 m

Answer 1

The correct option is B

d = 15 m, s = -5 m

Step 1: Fix the starting point of ant i.e. point A.

Fix the finishing point of ant i.e. point C.

Step 2: Distance:- Length of path taken to reach C.

AB + B A + AC = 5 + 5 + 5 = 15 m

Magnitude of displacement = Shortest distance between starting and finishing point.

= CA = 5 m

Finishing point is on left of A (start point) therefore by convention displacement is -5m.(negative sign shows the position with respect to assumed origin which in turn is the starting point of the ant i.e. A)